Latest news with #PradhanMantriAwasYojana
Time of India
16 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Pune: Housing for displaced families remains on paper as action against illegal structures begins
PUNE : The urban development department on Feb 25 issued a govt resolution directing municipal corporations, Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority and municipal councils to take strict action against unauthorised constructions while simultaneously providing shelter to displaced families under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana . However, nearly three months later, the implementation remains sluggish. PMRDA , with jurisdiction over 6,000 square km consisting of around 3,500 identified illegal structures, has yet to operationalise the mechanism. "Demolition of unoccupied structures has begun. For occupied ones, we are reviewing the circular and understanding the process for alternavie housing," a senior official said, adding that they had no prior knowledge of the order. Affected residents are growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of clarity. Sunita J, whose family resides in one such construction in the outskirts and has received a demolition notice, said, "Once they demolish these structures, there is no question of them giving us houses elsewhere. No citizen knowingly invests in such properties — developers deceive us. Why would we want to be on the streets? My children attend school here; we have jobs nearby. How long can we stay with relatives?" Another resident argued against demolitions in monsoon. "It is unjust to raze during rain when we have nowhere to go. Nobody wastes their life savings willingly. Such developers should be penalised, not the residents living in those structures." As per the the order, eligible families should be registered under PMAY. In case of delays in providing PMAY houses, rental housing shall be arranged in permanent transitional camps for a fixed period. For economically weaker sections or low-income groups, rental charges will be at prevailing market rates. If available rental flats are insufficient compared to affected families, allocation will be done through lottery. Govt has clarified that after staying in rental housing for a specific period, displaced residents may get an opportunity to claim ownership of allotted homes. However, this directive does not offer relief for individuals who would lose livelihoods on account of demolitions. While the state guidelines instruct authorities to file complaints against landowners, architects, construction professionals and contractors involved in illegal activities, govt has assured residents they will not be left homeless. "Govt has given clear instructions, but ground-level implementation takes time. We need to identify the eligible families, verify documents and process applications," a senior PMRDA official said. The gap between policy and implementation has left hundreds of families uncertain about their future.
Hindustan Times
17 hours ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
BJD questions BJP's ‘double-engine' governance as Odisha's central grants dip
Odisha's inability to fully utilise the 2024-25 central funds has led to a 18.19% reduction in federal grants a year after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) swept to power in Odisha on the back of its electoral promise to accelerate development through 'double engine' governments in the state at the Centre. Officials aware of the matter said the central grants to Odisha rose by 15.48% under the previous Biju Janata Dal (BJD) government in 2023-24 compared to 2022-23, thanks to effective lobbying and better expenditure planning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union home minister Amit Shah led the BJP's 2024 poll campaign in Odisha, focused on the potential benefits of the 'double engine' government, helping the party win 85 of the 147 seats in the state assembly and 20 of the 21 Lok Sabha seats. Officials cited above said funds for centrally sponsored schemes are released in instalments, with subsequent tranches contingent on spending previous allocations. 'Odisha's inability to fully utilise these funds led to reduced disbursements. If the state cannot demonstrate effective spending, the Union government holds back further release of funds,' said an official, who did not want to be named. Officials said effective lobbying with the Union government could have secured higher allocations. 'In 2023-24, the central grants to Odisha rose by 15.48% compared to 2022-23. It shows effective lobbying and better expenditure planning,' said the official. Funding under centrally sponsored schemes has, since 2015-16, accounted for over 20% of total federal grants for sectors such as education, health, employment, and the welfare of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. States with lower implementation capacity, such as Odisha, face challenges in executing these schemes effectively. Officials said the requirement to prepare district and state agricultural plans for schemes like Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, an incentive-based programme where allocations are not automatic but tied to planning, has compounded the problem. The central grants to Odisha declined from ₹21,500 crore in 2023-24 to ₹17,000 crore under housing, irrigation, and water supply schemes, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichayi Yojana, and Jal Jeevan Mission. The funding under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY)-Rural went down from ₹4,310 crore in 2023-24 to ₹825 crore in 2024-25. The allocation under PMAY-Urban funding declined from ₹296 crore in 2023-24 to ₹0.73 crore in 2024-25. The funding under the rural connectivity scheme, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, dropped from ₹1,262 crore in 2023-24 to ₹712 crore in 2024-25, from ₹146 crore to ₹32 crore under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sichayi Yojana, and from ₹1,581 crore to ₹368 crore under the Jal Jeevan Mission. Odisha did not get anything in 2024-25 under the agricultural development scheme, Rashtriya Krishi Vikash Yojana, which provides 60% central funding. In 2023-24, it received ₹223 crore under the scheme. A review of the spending in February this year found that at least 16 of 44 departments failed to spend even half their allocated funds by January end. Departments such as disaster management (13.5%), sports and youth services (19.77%), steel and mines (20.5%), mission shakti (23%), Odia language, literature and culture (27%), tourism (38%), energy (46%), transport (47%) failed to spend 50% of their budgets by January-end. Odisha finance secretary Saswat Mishra, whose department deals with the central allocations, did not reply to a questionnaire. Opposition BJD leader Debi Prasad Mishra said the reduction in funding showed the chief minister Mohan Majhi-led government's inability to govern. 'In the last year, the government has done nothing except rename schemes introduced during the previous Naveen Patnaik government and change the colours of buildings,' said Mishra. He asked if the BJD could get more funds under the centrally-sponsored schemes, and why the Majhi government was unable to do so. 'This shows the double-engine government was just an election hype.' BJP lawmaker Akash Dasnayak called the dip in the funding an aberration and said Modi wants to see Odisha developed and is ready to help with more funds. He said funding for a scheme like the PMAY may have come down due to the ongoing survey of beneficiaries. 'Once the survey is complete, we will get more funding.'
News18
a day ago
- General
- News18
Protests Erupt In Village Near Raipur Over Eviction Drive For 'MLA Colony'
Last Updated: Residents argue that the land, classified as 'Shamilat Charagah' — traditionally used as common pasture — has been in their families for generations. Over 80 families in Sammanpur village, located in Chhattisgarh's capital Raipur, have been protesting for the past 10 days following eviction notices issued by the local administration, which claimed they had 'illegally occupied" the land. Residents argue that the land, classified as 'Shamilat Charagah' — traditionally used as common pasture — has been in their families for generations. They also point out that nearly 30 houses in the area were constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), the central government's flagship housing scheme for economically weaker sections, reported PTI. They claimed that now the government plans to build a colony for legislators on the land in question. However, the administration did not confirm it. Women Lead Protest In Sammanpur village—also known as Nakti—on the outskirts of Raipur near the airport, villagers, especially women armed with sticks, have been holding daily protests inside the local community hall. For the past 10 days, the demonstrations have continued from 10 am to 10 pm, as the residents oppose the eviction notices served by the local administration. Most of the villagers are daily wage labourers who live hand to mouth. One of the villagers, Roshan Sahu, told PTI on Tuesday, on April 17 this year, Raipur tehsildar (revenue officials) served eviction notices to around 85 families who have been residing in the Bhatapara area, the outskirts of the village to vacate the land. The eviction notices by the tehsildar said the land situated in Khasra no. 460, measuring 15.4790 hectares (around 38 acres) in Nakti village of the district Raipur, has been encroached/occupied by the encroachers residing in Nakti Gram Panchayat. The order to evict the encroachers from the said land was passed by this (tehsildar) court on April 11, 2025, under section 248 of the Land Revenue Code 195. In the notice, the authorities asked the occupants to leave their possession of land failing which the encroachment will be removed forcibly. Sahu said the 38 acres of land on Khasra no. 460 do not belong to the government and it has been classified as 'Shamilat Charagah' in the land record. The names of owners are still mentioned in the land record and our forefathers have been owners since 1940, he said. In the last 35-40 years, around 85 families from the village shifted to this land, he said. Of the total houses, around 30 were built under the PM housing scheme, while around 10 houses were being constructed under the scheme but were put on hold by the administration after eviction notices served, he said. Electricity lines were laid by the government in the locality and tap water connections were laid under Jal Jeevan Mission by erecting two overhead plastic tanks in the village, he said. After spending several lakhs of rupees to provide various amenities in the area, the government now claims its residents as encroachers, the villager added. When we contacted the local public representative and administration, they said the land will be used for the construction of the MLA colony, he claimed. Sahu, 32, said he was born in a house built on the same land, living there with his family since his birth. Newly-elected sarpanch of Nakti village panchayat Bihari Yadav, 48, said the village has a population of around 2,500 people and 85 families comprising around 350 people have received the eviction notice from the tehsildar for encroaching on government land triggering the protest. These families have been staying here for 30-40 years. (With PTI inputs) First Published: June 03, 2025, 22:11 IST
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Chhattisgarh's Bastar model praised at Chief Ministers conclave
RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh government received special appreciation for its development model and innovative initiatives at the Chief minister's conclave chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The presentation made by Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on the Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum captivated the attention of the Prime Minister and other participating Chief Ministers. Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Ministers Vijay Sharma and Arun Sao also attended the conclave. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai highlighted the state's efforts toward good governance and informed that Chhattisgarh has institutionalized transparency and efficiency by creating a dedicated Department of Good Governance and Convergence. Schemes in the state are being closely monitored through digital tools like the Atal Monitoring Portal, ensuring timely grievance redressal and real-time performance tracking, he added. 'Our goal is not just to launch schemes but to ensure they are implemented honestly and effectively on the ground,' the Chief Minister said while addressing the conclave at the Ashok Hotel in New Delhi. A key focus of the meeting was the effective implementation of Central government's flagship schemes. CM Sai shared that programme such as the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Ujjwala Yojana, Ayushman Bharat, and Jal Jeevan Mission have been successfully delivered to the grassroots in Chhattisgarh through Gram Sabhas, public outreach, and technology-led interventions. The highlight of the session was a special presentation on Bastar Olympics and Bastar Pandum, two major socio-cultural initiatives. Referring to PM Modi's inspiring call of 'Kheloge India, Jeetoge India,' the Chief Minister said that Chhattisgarh has turned this vision into a grassroots reality through these two initiatives. He explained that Bastar Olympics is not merely a sporting event, but a social movement that has replaced guns with javelins, arrows, and balls in the hands of the youth. The event saw participation from 1.65 lakh athletes across 32 development blocks in 7 districts, conducted over 40 days in three levels - block, district, and division. The competition featured 11 traditional tribal games, including archery, running, kho-kho, kabaddi, and tug-of-war. Participants were divided into four categories - junior, senior, surrendered Naxals, and differently-abled. What stood out was the enthusiastic participation from remote villages, especially by women and people with disabilities. During his presentation, CM Sai shared the inspiring story of Punem Sanna, a wheelchair athlete from Dornapal - once a region affected by Naxal violence. Today, Sanna is a medalist and a role model for youth across the region. It is noteworthy that PM Modi had earlier appreciated Bastar Olympics during his 'Mann Ki Baat' broadcast, calling it 'a celebration of Bastar's soul.' The Chief Minister also presented the success of the Bastar Pandum festival, which has not only preserved the tribal heritage, traditions, and folk arts of the region but has also brought national recognition to them. The cultural event witnessed participation from 47,000 performers, 1,885 village panchayats, and 1,743 cultural troupes across 32 blocks in 7 districts. Held in three phases, the festival featured folk dance, music, local markets, and traditional food competitions. The government awarded Rs 2.4 crore in incentives to participants, reinforcing community engagement and pride. The initiative has strengthened unity across generations -- youth, women, and elders -- becoming a symbol of peace, celebration, and progress in previously conflict-ridden areas. The Chief Ministers' Conclave had shortlisted select states to showcase their best practices. Chhattisgarh's Bastar model stood out as a remarkable example of public participation, cultural integration, and development-driven transformation, which could be emulated in other states as well. (This is a press release by the Chhattisgarh government.)
The Print
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Print
‘Bulldozers instead of houses': AAP, Cong criticise BJP after eviction in Delhi's Madrasi Camp
Addressing a press conference on Monday, AAP's Delhi state president Saurabh Bharadwaj accused the BJP of 'betraying the poor'. He said while the BJP leaders promised permanent housing during elections, they are now using bulldozers to displace the same people they courted for votes. There was no immediate response available from the Delhi government or the BJP over the allegations. New Delhi, Jun 2 (PTI) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress on Monday sharply criticised the Delhi BJP government, claiming 'nearly 800 slum homes were demolished in Madrasi Camp, just a day after Chief Minister Rekha Gupta publicly assured that no slums would be touched'. 'Madrasi Camp has existed for 60 years. Before (the Delhi assembly) elections, the BJP leaders played carrom (board) with children and dined in the slums. Today, they have demolished those very homes,' Bharadwaj said. Delhi Congress chief Devender Yadav also condemned the demolition drive, calling it 'shocking and saddening', a statement said. Yadav alleged that the Rekha Gupta government adopted a pick-and-choose policy. While allotting alternate housing, it left 155 families without shelter despite extreme weather conditions, he said, calling it petty politics with the lives of the poor. The Congress leader further alleged that the BJP's handling of the eviction stands in stark contrast to its manifesto promises, which pledged to uplift JJ cluster residents through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. He claimed that the eviction was carried out inhumanly, disrupting children's education and livelihoods, even as those allotted flats in distant Narela still lacked basic services like electricity, water and transportation, the statement added. According to a government notice, of the approximately 370 families that lived in the settlement, 189 were found eligible for relocation to flats in Narela. Eviction notices were served last month and many families were left without shelter after the demolition on June 1. The May 30 government notice informed the residents that transport trucks would be available on May 31 and June 1 to assist in shifting. Bulldozers arrived early June 1, backed by police. The Tamil Nadu government acknowledged that the demolition followed court orders and it offered support to any displaced residents from the state wishing to return home. Bharadwaj also claimed that similar demolitions are ongoing in Wazirpur and criticised the media for remaining silent. 'This is not just policy failure, it's betrayal,' he said. The incident highlights growing tensions over slum rehabilitation and political accountability in Delhi, he said. PTI MHS KSS KSS This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
